Sculpture

The Pala dynasty ruled the regions of Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years, from the 8th century till the 12th century. The Pala rulers were great supporters and admirers of Buddhism. The Pala period is known for its distinctive form of Buddhist sculptures, painting, terracotta arts and architecture. Important centres of Buddhist learning such as Nalanda and Vikramshila also flourished during this period.

During the rule of the Palas, art witnessed phenomenal development in various forms, such as:

• Terracotta art: Terracotta was used extensively for decorative purposes during the Pala period. For example, terracotta plaques running around the full perimeter of the shrine at Somapura Mahavihara, or the Great Monastery in Paharpur. Other unique contributions of the Pala period include a miniature terracotta image of a fasting Buddha from Telhara.
• Sculpture: During this period, art reached technical perfection. The Pala style is marked by slim and graceful figures, elaborate jewellery and conventional decoration. Sculptures of Buddha and Hindu Gods and Goddesses were made during this period. Prominent examples include Avalokiteshwara images from Nalanda and Buddha seated in ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. The art of bronze casting also attained high degree proficiency during this period.
• Painting: The earliest examples of miniature painting in India exist in the form of illustrations to the religious texts on Buddhism executed under the Palas. Buddhist themes and images of Vajrayana Buddhist deities were showcased on palm leaves during this period such as Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita. The famous centres of Pala miniature paintings were Nalanda, Odantapuri, Vikramshila and Somapura.
• Learning centres: Nalanda (flourished under Devpala) and Vikramshila (founded by Dharampala) were great centres for learning Buddhist art. Students and pilgrims from all over South-East Asia gathered there for education and religious instructions. They took back examples of Pala Buddhist art to their countries, which helped in the propagation of the Pala style to Nepal, Tibet, Burma, Sri Lanka, Java etc.
• Architecture: Pala rulers constructed viharas to promote Buddhism. For example, Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur. Many of the sculptures in the niches in the Mahabodhi temple are dated to the eighth century Pala period. Further, ninth-century Siddheshvara Mahadeva temple in Burdwan District, with tall curving shikhara crowned by a large amalaka is an example of the early Pala style.

The Pala Empire made significant contributions to the development of art, especially Buddhist art. Their distinctive style of sculpture and paintings was not just restricted to India but also spread to neighbouring regions like Nepal and South-East Asia.